NASCAR runs a second division stock car racing event called the Busch Series. It is the training ground for up and coming drivers wanting to eventually compete in the Nextel Cup Series. Initially known as the Sportsman Series, it began back in 1950, and was based around a series of short track racing events. In 1984 brewing company Anheuser-Busch took over the leading role of series sponsor, and 2 years later the series became officially known as the Busch Grand National Series. In 2003 the Busch Grand National Series series became known as the Busch Series.

The Busch Series features race cars which differ from those race cars used in other series in several important ways. First, they are smaller, better at coping with the tighter curves of the track. Secondly, they have larger spoilers. Third, they use leaded fuel. Concern has been expressed over the environmental damage this has caused, and is researching the possibility of using only unleaded fuel in the cars in the Busch Series, working to determine how it will affect performance. design teams work all year round to improve the cars competing in the Busch Series, which also rely on the hard work as skill of crews on the ground during the series races. Manufacturers have now approved NASCAR's plans to make some major changes to the cars which compete in the Busch Series. This is an example of the major changes which have occurred within itself since its early days in which spectators, living in a country short of new cars, didn't want to watch good quality cars being damaged in races, so that modified old cars were used in the series instead.

Whilst the Busch Series appeals to drivers who are trying to become good enough to compete in the Nextel Cup Series, it also provides a good opportunity for established Cup Series drivers to practice. Many Cup Series drivers participate in Busch Series races

in order to become more familiar with its challenging driving requirements. Some less experienced drivers have protested that this takes away opportunities from new drivers trying to break into events, but others argue that the presence of established drivers, as celebrities who appeal to spectators, attracts more attention and thus more sponsorship money to the Busch Series.

Every race counts in the Busch Series, with some of the races counting more than other races. O'Reilly Raceway Park is one of the most popular tracks used in the Busch Series race season. Many drivers who win at O'Reilly Raceway Park frequently end up winning the series championship. Spectators also favor O'Reilly as a Busch Series venue, as there is plenty of close contact between drivers. O'Reilly Raceway Park has a long and colorful history as a venue for short track racing.

Sources:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busch_Series

http://www.nascar.com/